Hawaiian for dance. The hula, originally a ceremonial rite, enacts stories of romance, everyday activities and describes island scenery. Dancers sway their hips to the rhythm of the music and always keep the knees bent. Grass skirts were originally worn by the dancers but now loosely draped sarongs (long, brightly colored cloths) or skirts made of greenplant leaves are worn with strapless bodices and leis (wreaths of flowers) around the necks. —ClearingCongress No. 1N The Fact of Clearing Approved Glossary